Old Istanbul Walking Tour: Mosques, Palace, Cistern with Lunch
- Visit the best attractions Istanbul has to offer in this full-day walking tour
- Take in the beauty of the opulent Topkapi Palace See the historic Obelisk of Theodosius at the Hippodrome
- Explore the vast network of ancient Roman reservoirs at the Basilica Cistern
- Marvel at the impressive structures of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque
- Enjoy the intimacy of a private/small group tour
Options
Small Group Tour
What's included in Old Istanbul Walking Tour: Mosques, Palace, Cistern with Lunch
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Obelisk of Theodosius
Want to visit the most famous landmarks in Turkey? We’ve got you covered! On this full-day trip, you’ll explore the best historical sites in Istanbul with the help and knowledge of your friendly Trip Guru! Our first stop is the Hippodrome and the Obelisk of Theodosius. Marvel at the 15th-century structure and soak in the history before heading to our next stop, Hagia Sophia.
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
This great architectural masterpiece boasts a long and storied history, serving as a church, mosque, and now museum.
Blue Mosque
Up next, we’ll head to the Blue Mosque, where we can admire the intricate details of the mosque's blue tiles and elegant domes while learning about its rich history and significance to the Muslim faith. Don’t let the long entrance lines sway you—both of these spots are a must-visit!
Inclusions
- Drinking water
- Traditional Turkish Lunch
- English-speaking tour guide
- Hotel Pick up / Drop off
- Topkapi Palace
- Basilica Cistern
- Hagia Sophia (unless inclusive option selected)
- Personal expenses
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- It is strongly recommended to purchase Hagia Sophia skip-the-line tickets (25 EUR) in advance. The activity provider will assist with this process by sending you a purchase link via email if you don't select the inclusive option. Customers without skip-the-line tickets may face a queue of 1-2 hours at the site.
- Museum cards are not accepted for Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace & Basilica Cistern.
- The upper gallery is accessible by stairs, it's not recommended for tourists with mobility issues.
- Knees and shoulders must be covered. Headscarf is mandatory for women and can be purchased at the entrance.
- Expect long entrance lines at some of the more popular attractions (e.g. Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque).
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting Points
- Look for a guide wearing a TripGuru shirt or holding a TripGuru sign. If you are not staying within the free pick-up zones, you may select our meeting point option.
Redeem
Ticket Redemption
Important Note: Please note that during peak seasons, long queues are anticipated at Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, potentially leading to extended tour durations. Clothes revealing the shoulders, underarms, back, and knees are not allowed in some sites on this tour; implementation may be strict. Kindly bring a scarf/sweater to cover up or wear clothes that fit the dress code. Blue Mosque will be closed for renovation from January 1st, 2023. Instead, you can visit another iconic Istanbul Mosque, Yeni Cami (the New Mosque) The restaurant is situated close to the Mosque, and as is customary in the Muslim faith, it is not possible to serve alcoholic beverages in the establishment. Hagia Sophia Mosque: Expect long entrance lines at some of the more popular attractions (e.g. Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque). Hagia Sophia entrance fee needs to be purchased in advance, we will help you to get the tickets so you can skip the line and enjoy a better experience.